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Russell Branyan


If we're looking to get Gamel consistent playing time, sending him to AAA probably seems to be the best option. But that leaves the bench with very little pop. Wouldn't Branyan make sense as a four-corners guy and some power off the bench?

Maybe I just love the feeling I get when the game is in the bottom of the ninth with the Brewers down and Branyan stepping to the plate as a pinch hitter representing the winning run.
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I am all for this. I think we all have stories of watching Branyan parking a few to some of the deepest parts of Miller Park. Like JonnyLungs and dadofandrew said, if Gamel is destined for everday action in the Minors, who else could better fit the role we were going to sign Hinske for than Branyan?

 

This Brewer generation's Rob Deer!

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I'm not sure what Russell would be looking for in terms of PT and AB's. Does he want to play a lot or just win? He turned 35 in December, so time isn't on his side. He had a nice year last season in Cleveland and Seattle. In 109 games he had 25 HR's. I'm afraid that's a starter at DH somewhere. His salary in '09 was 1.4 mil and in '10 it was 1.5mil. If that's all the cash it would take to bring Russell in to be a back up at all four corners and the thunder off the bench, I can't see a downside.
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  • 2 weeks later...
I'm not sure what Russell would be looking for in terms of PT and AB's. Does he want to play a lot or just win? He turned 35 in December, so time isn't on his side. He had a nice year last season in Cleveland and Seattle. In 109 games he had 25 HR's. I'm afraid that's a starter at DH somewhere. His salary in '09 was 1.4 mil and in '10 it was 1.5mil. If that's all the cash it would take to bring Russell in to be a back up at all four corners and the thunder off the bench, I can't see a downside.
For all of Branyan's career, he's put up numbers that seemingly would justify a starting position on a MLB roster, but for some reason he always gets passed over. I'd certiainly be for signing him for a bench spot. I like Gamel, but I'd rather see him getting work in AAA. Unlike Gamel, Branyan has proven that he can play 1B/3B/corner OF in the majors and that he can hit MLB pitching. Plus, with his experience, he's probably a better option for getting sporadic PT as a bench player.

"The most successful (people) know that performance over the long haul is what counts. If you can seize the day, great. But never forget that there are days yet to come."

 

~Bill Walsh

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  • 2 months later...

Manlove for 3TO one more time:

 

Branyan Available?

 

Now a report on his out clause. If he isn't on the MLB roster by Friday, he can elect to be a FA. If he is released and Kotsay somehow remains as the backup 1B/OF I will be incredibly disappointed.

 

As has been discussed at length, Branyan provides better backup at 1B for Prince, a breather for Casey at 3B and possibly more length in the OF than Kotsay, as well as allowing Counsell to focus on playing as much SS as possible this season (see YuBet).

 

This was such an obvious move this offseason that I am still at a loss as to why Kotsay was signed when Branyan was right there. The only thing that makes sense is Branyan wanting to see if he could find a starting job.

 

Crossing my fingers...

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  • 3 weeks later...
I would have loved to have seen Branyan stepping to the plate with two on and none out tonight against the Cubs instead of Kotsay. Let's hope that DM is willing to admit a mistake with Kotsay and go and get him (probably for cheap) from Ari.
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